Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Naturally, many questions will arise throughout the admission process. We’ve listed some of the most frequently asked questions below. For other questions or to speak with the Admission Office, please reach us by phone (717-763-7811 x1313) or email. We also recommend you complete the online inquiry form and we will contact you by the next school day.

How old does my child have to be for admission?

Harrisburg Academy begins with a preschool program that has morning, full-day, and full-time options. If your child will be three years old by Sep. 1, 2018, you may submit an Application for Admission to preschool for the 2018-19 academic year. Students who will be turning three-years-old during September/October 2018 will be considered on a case-by-case basis. We take into account factors other than age before admitting a child to our Preschool program; students are not admitted based on age requirements alone. New student applications to Junior Kindergarten (JK) or Kindergarten (K) for the coming 2018-19 academic year should be 4 or 5, respectively, by Sep. 1, 2018.

Do you have an after-school program or vacation coverage?

Harrisburg Academy offers before- and after-school care for all students in the Early Childhood and Lower School programs. We also have an after-school program for Middle School students. There is no charge for before-school supervision, which starts at 7:30 a.m. Fees for the Lower School after-school program depend on use. The Middle School After-School Study Club currently carries an annual registration fee of $200 but no additional costs based upon usage. After-school programs run until 6 p.m. The Academy also offers extended coverage for students in Early Childhood and Lower School during some holidays and all teacher in-service days. Harrisburg Academy’s summer programming is available during the summer break on a part-time or full-time basis.

Coming in 2018-19...

Harrisburg Academy will offer even more flexible before- and after-school care for all students in Early Childhood and Lower School programs! Early drop-off (beginning at 7 a.m.) and late pick-up (until 5:30 p.m.) are included free of charge. Families needing coverage until the program's official end time (6 p.m.) will incur a charge for the last half-hour. The Middle School After-School Study Club will continue to carry an annual registration fee of $200, but no additional costs based upon useage.

Students enrolled in full-time Early Childhood programming are also eligible to add summer camp on to their tuition schedule for an additional $1,000. Harrisburg Academy’s summer programming is available during the summer break on a part-time or full-time basis.

What are your application and testing deadlines?

Applications are currently being accepted on a space-available basis. Applications for admission are required prior to a student's attendance at an Admission Play Date (for Preschool, Junior Kindergarten, and Kindergarten applicants) or prior to a full-day shadow visit (for applicants for 1st through 12th grade). Admission testing for applicants to 2nd through 12th grade will be scheduled in addition to their shadow day. Merit scholarship testing events are ongoing for students entering 5th through 11th grade. Because Harrisburg Academy usually has new students at all grade levels, we will accept applications through the entire year on a "rolling admission" basis. When a class fills, qualified students are placed in a wait pool until space becomes available. All parents are invited to attend Admission events during the application process.

Can my child get transportation to Harrisburg Academy?

Public school districts within a 10-mile radius of our private school are required by law to provide free transportation for school-age children. Currently, the following public school districts provide busing to the Academy: Central Dauphin, Steelton-Highspire, Cumberland Valley, Middletown, Susquehanna Township, East Pennsboro, Mechanicsburg, Susquenita, Harrisburg City, Northern York, and West Shore. While students traveling from outside those districts generally rely on carpooling, Academy-operated morning bus transportation is available for a fee between the Academy and Carlisle (near Dickinson College) and a second route between the Academy and Hershey (at the Medical Center). Other Academy-operated bus routes may be provided on an as-needed basis for selected geographies, and may change annually.Click here for more information.